Introduction
What is a down jacket?
A down jacket is a type of jacket that is insulated with down feathers. Down feathers are the soft, fluffy undercoat of ducks and geese. They are incredibly warm and lightweight, making them ideal for outdoor activities.
Why are down jackets so good for outdoor adventure?
There are many reasons why down jackets are so good for outdoor adventure. Here are a few of the most important reasons:
- Warmth: Down feathers are incredibly warm. They trap heat more effectively than other types of insulation, such as synthetic fibers. This makes them ideal for cold weather activities, such as hiking, camping, and skiing.
- Lightweight: Down feathers are also very lightweight. This makes them ideal for activities where weight is a concern, such as backpacking and mountaineering.
- Packable: Down jackets can be easily packed down into a small space. This makes them convenient to carry with you on your adventures.
- Durable: Down feathers are surprisingly durable. They can withstand a lot of wear and tear, making them a good investment for outdoor enthusiasts.
What should you look for when buying a down jacket?
There are a few things you should look for when buying a down jacket:
- Fill power: Fill power is a measure of the quality of down. The higher the fill power, the more loft the down has. Loft is the ability of the down to trap heat. A good down jacket should have a fill power of at least 650.
- Down quality: Not all down is created equal. There are two main types of down: duck down and goose down. Goose down is generally considered to be better quality than duck down. It is warmer, more durable, and has a higher fill power.
- Shell material: The shell material of a down jacket is important for both warmth and durability. A good shell material will be wind and water resistant. It should also be breathable, so that your body heat can escape.
- Features: Some down jackets come with additional features, such as hoods, pockets, and drawcords. Consider which features are important to you before you buy a down jacket.
- Price: Down jackets can range in price from a few hundred dollars to over a thousand dollars. It is important to set a budget before you start shopping.
Review of 9 Best Down Jackets
1: Patagonia Fitz Roy Down Hoody
The Patagonia Fitz Roy Down Hoody is a midweight down jacket designed for cold weather activities. It is made with 800-fill-power goose down, which is incredibly warm and lightweight. The jacket also has a durable recycled nylon shell that is wind and water resistant. The Fitz Roy Down Hoody has a helmet-compatible hood, two hand pockets, and a chest pocket. It is also Fair Trade Certified™ sewn.
Features:
- 800-fill-power goose down
- Durable recycled nylon shell
- Helmet-compatible hood
- Two hand pockets
- Chest pocket
- Fair Trade Certified™ sewn
Pros:
- Incredibly warm
- Lightweight
- Durable
- Wind and water resistant
- Helmet-compatible hood
- Plenty of pockets
- Fair Trade Certified™ sewn
Cons:
- Can be expensive
- Not as compressible as some other down jackets
- Some users have reported that the hood is too big
Overall:
The Patagonia Fitz Roy Down Hoody is a great option for cold-weather activities. It is warm, lightweight, durable, and wind and water-resistant. It also has a helmet-compatible hood and plenty of pockets. If you are looking for a high-quality down jacket that will keep you warm in cold weather, the Patagonia Fitz Roy Down Hoody is a great option.
2: Arc’teryx Cerium LT Hoody
The Arc’teryx Cerium LT Hoody is a lightweight down jacket designed for cold weather activities. It is made with 850-fill-power goose down, which is incredibly warm and lightweight. The jacket also has a durable nylon shell that is wind and water-resistant. The Cerium LT Hoody has a helmet-compatible hood, two hand pockets, and a chest pocket. It is also Fair Trade Certified™ sewn.
Features:
- 850-fill-power goose down
- Durable nylon shell
- Helmet-compatible hood
- Two hand pockets
- Chest pocket
- Fair Trade Certified™ sewn
Pros:
- Incredibly warm
- Lightweight
- Durable
- Wind and water resistant
- Helmet-compatible hood
- Plenty of pockets
- Fair Trade Certified™ sewn
- Compressible
- Packable
Cons:
- Can be expensive
- Some users have reported that the hood is too big
Overall:
The Arc’teryx Cerium LT Hoody is a great option for cold-weather activities. It is warm, lightweight, durable, and wind and water-resistant. It also has a helmet-compatible hood and plenty of pockets. If you are looking for a high-quality down jacket that will keep you warm in cold weather, the Arc’teryx Cerium LT Hoody is a great option.
3: Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer/2
The Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer/2 is a lightweight down jacket designed for cold weather activities. It is made with 800-fill-power goose down, which is incredibly warm and lightweight. The jacket also has a durable Pertex Quantum Air shell that is wind and water resistant. The Ghost Whisperer/2 has a relaxed fit, two hand pockets, and a drawcord hem. It is also Fair Trade Certified™ sewn.
Features:
- 800-fill-power goose down
- Durable Pertex Quantum Air shell
- Relaxed fit
- Two hand pockets
- Drawcord hem
- Fair Trade Certified™ sewn
Pros:
- Incredibly warm
- Lightweight
- Durable
- Wind and water resistant
- Relaxed fit
- Plenty of pockets
- Fair Trade Certified™ sewn
- Compressible
- Packable
Cons:
- Can be expensive
- Some users have reported that the hood is too big
Overall:
The Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer/2 is a great option for cold weather activities. It is warm, lightweight, durable, and wind and water resistant. It also has a relaxed fit and plenty of pockets. If you are looking for a high-quality down jacket that will keep you warm in cold weather, the Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer/2 is a great option.
4: REI Co-op 650 Down Jacket 2.0
The REI Co-op 650 Down Jacket 2.0 is a midweight down jacket designed for cold weather activities. It is made with 650-fill-power duck down, which is warm and lightweight. The jacket also has a durable recycled nylon shell that is water resistant. The 650 Down Jacket 2.0 has a relaxed fit, two hand pockets, and a drawcord hem. It is also Fair Trade Certified™ sewn.
Features:
- 650-fill-power duck down
- Durable recycled nylon shell
- Relaxed fit
- Two hand pockets
- Drawcord hem
- Fair Trade Certified™ sewn
Pros:
- Warm and lightweight
- Durable
- Water resistant
- Relaxed fit
- Plenty of pockets
- Fair Trade Certified™ sewn
- Affordable
Cons:
- Not as compressible as some other down jackets
- Some users have reported that the hood is too big
Overall:
The REI Co-op 650 Down Jacket 2.0 is a great option for cold weather activities. It is warm, lightweight, durable, and water resistant. It also has a relaxed fit and plenty of pockets. If you are looking for a high-quality down jacket that will keep you warm in cold weather without breaking the bank, the REI Co-op 650 Down Jacket 2.0 is a great option.
5: The North Face ThermoBall Eco Jacket
The North Face ThermoBall Eco Jacket is a synthetic insulated jacket designed for cold weather activities. It is made with ThermoBall Eco insulation, which is a synthetic alternative to down. ThermoBall Eco is warm, lightweight, and compressible. The jacket also has a durable recycled nylon shell that is water resistant. The ThermoBall Eco Jacket has a relaxed fit, two hand pockets, and a drawcord hem. It is also Fair Trade Certified™ sewn.
Features:
- ThermoBall Eco insulation
- Durable recycled nylon shell
- Relaxed fit
- Two hand pockets
- Drawcord hem
- Fair Trade Certified™ sewn
Pros:
- Warm and lightweight
- Durable
- Water resistant
- Relaxed fit
- Plenty of pockets
- Fair Trade Certified™ sewn
- Affordable
Cons:
- Not as compressible as some other down jackets
- Some users have reported that the hood is too big
Overall:
The North Face ThermoBall Eco Jacket is a great option for cold weather activities. It is warm, lightweight, durable, and water resistant. It also has a relaxed fit and plenty of pockets. If you are looking for a high-quality synthetic insulated jacket that will keep you warm in cold weather without breaking the bank, the North Face ThermoBall Eco Jacket is a great option.
6: Columbia MightyLight Alpine Down Hoody
The Columbia MightyLight Alpine Down Hoody is a lightweight down jacket designed for cold weather activities. It is made with 550-fill-power down, which is warm and lightweight. The jacket also has a durable recycled polyester shell that is water resistant. The MightyLight Alpine Down Hoody has a relaxed fit, two hand pockets, and a drawcord hem. It is also Fair Trade Certified™ sewn.
Features:
- 550-fill-power down
- Durable recycled polyester shell
- Relaxed fit
- Two hand pockets
- Drawcord hem
- Fair Trade Certified™ sewn
Pros:
- Warm and lightweight
- Durable
- Water resistant
- Relaxed fit
- Plenty of pockets
- Fair Trade Certified™ sewn
- Affordable
Cons:
- Not as compressible as some other down jackets
- Some users have reported that the hood is too big
Overall:
The Columbia MightyLight Alpine Down Hoody is a great option for cold weather activities. It is warm, lightweight, durable, and water resistant. It also has a relaxed fit and plenty of pockets. If you are looking for a high-quality down jacket that will keep you warm in cold weather without breaking the bank, the Columbia MightyLight Alpine Down Hoody is a great option.
Additional Information:
- The MightyLight Alpine Down Hoody is a great choice for activities such as hiking, camping, and skiing.
- It is also a good choice for everyday wear in cold weather climates.
- The jacket is machine washable and tumble dryable.
- It is available in a variety of colors and sizes.
7: Outdoor Research Transcendent Down Jacket
The Outdoor Research Transcendent Down Jacket is a midweight down jacket designed for cold weather activities. It is made with 650-fill-power goose down, which is warm and lightweight. The jacket also has a durable recycled nylon shell that is wind and water resistant. The Transcendent Down Jacket has a relaxed fit, two hand pockets, and a drawcord hem. It is also Fair Trade Certified™ sewn.
Features:
- 650-fill-power goose down
- Durable recycled nylon shell
- Relaxed fit
- Two hand pockets
- Drawcord hem
- Fair Trade Certified™ sewn
Pros:
- Warm and lightweight
- Durable
- Wind and water resistant
- Relaxed fit
- Plenty of pockets
- Fair Trade Certified™ sewn
- Affordable
Cons:
- Not as compressible as some other down jackets
- Some users have reported that the hood is too big
Overall:
The Outdoor Research Transcendent Down Jacket is a great option for cold weather activities. It is warm, lightweight, durable, and wind and water resistant. It also has a relaxed fit and plenty of pockets. If you are looking for a high-quality down jacket that will keep you warm in cold weather without breaking the bank, the Outdoor Research Transcendent Down Jacket is a great option.
Additional Information:
- The Transcendent Down Jacket is a great choice for activities such as hiking, camping, and skiing.
- It is also a good choice for everyday wear in cold weather climates.
- The jacket is machine washable and tumble dryable.
- It is available in a variety of colors and sizes.
8: Rab Microlight Alpine Down Jacket
The Rab Microlight Alpine Down Jacket is a lightweight, packable down jacket designed for use in cold and alpine conditions. It is made with 700-fill-power goose down, which is both warm and compressible. The jacket also has a water-resistant Pertex Quantum shell and a relaxed fit.
The Microlight Alpine Down Jacket is a great choice for activities such as hiking, climbing, and skiing. It is also a good choice for everyday wear in cold weather climates. The jacket is machine washable and tumble dryable.
Features:
- 700-fill-power goose down
- Water-resistant Pertex Quantum shell
- Relaxed fit
- Two hand pockets
- Drawcord hem
- Fair Trade Certified™ sewn
Here are some of the pros and cons of the Rab Microlight Alpine Down Jacket:
Pros:
- Warm and lightweight
- Compressible
- Water-resistant
- Relaxed fit
- Plenty of pockets
- Fair Trade Certified™ sewn
Cons:
- Can be expensive
- Some users have reported that the hood is too big
Overall, the Rab Microlight Alpine Down Jacket is a great option for those looking for a warm, lightweight, and packable down jacket. It is perfect for use in cold and alpine conditions.
9: Black Diamond First Light Down Jacket
The Black Diamond First Light Down Jacket is a lightweight down jacket designed for cold weather activities. It is made with 800-fill-power goose down, which is incredibly warm and lightweight. The jacket also has a durable Pertex Quantum Air shell that is wind and water resistant. The First Light Down Jacket has a relaxed fit, two hand pockets, and a drawcord hem. It is also Fair Trade Certified™ sewn.
Features:
- 800-fill-power goose down
- Durable Pertex Quantum Air shell
- Relaxed fit
- Two hand pockets
- Drawcord hem
- Fair Trade Certified™ sewn
Pros:
- Incredibly warm
- Lightweight
- Durable
- Wind and water resistant
- Relaxed fit
- Plenty of pockets
- Fair Trade Certified™ sewn
- Compressible
- Packable
Cons:
- Can be expensive
- Some users have reported that the hood is too big
Overall:
The Black Diamond First Light Down Jacket is a great option for cold weather activities. It is warm, lightweight, durable, and wind and water resistant. It also has a relaxed fit and plenty of pockets. If you are looking for a high-quality down jacket that will keep you warm in cold weather, the Black Diamond First Light Down Jacket is a great option.
Additional Information:
- The First Light Down Jacket is a great choice for activities such as hiking, camping, and skiing.
- It is also a good choice for everyday wear in cold weather climates.
- The jacket is machine washable and tumble dryable.
- It is available in a variety of colors and sizes.
Comparison Table of the Top 9 Jackets
Here is a comparison chart for the down jackets we reviewed:
| Jacket Model | Fill Power | Insulation Material | Fabric Material | Weight (oz) | Pockets | Hood | Price |
| Patagonia Fitz Roy Down Hoody | 800 | Down | Pertex Quantum Pro | 17.3 | 3 | Yes | $399 |
| Arc’teryx Cerium LT Hoody | 850 | Down | Arato 10 | 10.8 | 3 | Yes | $399 |
| Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer/2 | 800 | Down | Whisperer 10D x 10D | 8.8 | 2 | Yes | $299 |
| REI Co-op 650 Down Jacket 2.0 | 650 | Down | Pertex Quantum | 14.1 | 3 | Yes | $199 |
| The North Face ThermoBall Eco Jacket | N/A | Synthetic | Nylon | 12.3 | 3 | Yes | $199 |
| Columbia MightyLight Alpine Down Hoody | 650 | Down | Omni-Heat Reflective | 21.6 | 3 | Yes | $149 |
| Outdoor Research Transcendent Down | 650 | Down | Pertex Quantum | 14.6 | 2 | Yes | $249 |
| Rab Microlight Alpine Down Jacket | 750 | Down | Pertex Quantum | 13.8 | 3 | Yes | $299 |
| Black Diamond First Light Down Jacket | 800 | Down | Pertex Quantum | 19.1 | 3 | Yes | $349 |
Conclusion
After exploring the top 9 best down jackets for outdoor adventure, it’s clear that there are a variety of options to choose from based on your specific needs and preferences. While all of the jackets on this list offer warmth and comfort, each one differs in its fill power, insulation material, fabric material, weight, pockets, and hood.
For those looking for a durable and weather-resistant option, the Patagonia Fitz Roy Down Hoody and Arc’teryx Cerium LT Hoody are great choices, with high fill power and quality materials. The Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer/2 is a lightweight option that packs down easily, making it ideal for backpacking trips.
Those looking for a budget-friendly option will appreciate the REI Co-op 650 Down Jacket 2.0 and Columbia MightyLight Alpine Down Hoody, both of which offer good insulation and a number of pockets.
Overall, the best down jacket for outdoor adventure is one that meets your specific needs in terms of warmth, weight, and features. It’s important to do your research and read reviews to ensure you choose the right jacket for your needs.
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